– FCT Minister insists he comes from a wealthy background, says he owned a Benz as a student
– Slams Amaechi as a ‘liar’ and accuses him of having a spiritual problem
– “Nobody can do without money, but that doesn’t make me corrupt” — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly stated that the Rolls-Royce he drives was personally bought with his own money, not gifted by any government contractor or benefactor.
Wike made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today aired on Friday, July 5, 2025, where he addressed growing public concerns about public officials and their expensive lifestyle.
“Nobody gave me the Rolls-Royce. I bought it myself,” Wike said confidently. “It was not given to me by any contractor.”
“I’m not poor – My father was a general manager”
Wike stressed that he comes from a comfortable background, claiming his father served as general manager of several companies and owned multiple duplexes in Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“As a student, I was using a Mercedes Benz,” he revealed. “I won’t say I was too rich like Dangote, but we were not poor.”
Wike takes shots at Amaechi
The former Rivers State governor also used the opportunity to throw jabs at his predecessor and political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of hypocrisy and falsehood.
“Amaechi is angry I use a Rolls-Royce. A contractor gave him one, and he collected it. I won’t do that,” Wike alleged.
He went on to accuse Amaechi of living in denial, saying:
“He said he doesn't like money. That man is a big liar. Who doesn’t like money? You need money to pay school fees, healthcare, to live well.”
Wike further added:
“He (Amaechi) has a spiritual problem for saying I own houses everywhere while denying he owns any, despite serving as speaker, governor, and minister for 8 years each.”
“I’m not corrupt; no court has found me guilty”
When asked whether he considered himself corrupt, Wike countered by saying corruption is not simply about liking money.
“No court has ever found me guilty of corruption. Wanting money for school fees or healthcare doesn’t make one corrupt,” he said.
“Nobody can do without money. But I don’t take from contractors. I’m not a bushman.”
Wike defends wealth, dismisses critics
The FCT Minister insisted his success and possessions should not be misconstrued as the result of public corruption.
“I didn’t come from the same background as Amaechi. So don’t compare us,” Wike said.
“I won’t apologize for being comfortable. I know who I am, and I’m not corrupt.”
